What is Cushing's Syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome, also called hypercortisolism, is a rare endocrine
disorder caused by chronic exposure of the body's tissues to excess levels of
cortisol - a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal gland. Exposure to too
much cortisol can occur from long-term use of synthetic glucocorticoid hormones
to treat inflammatory illnesses. Pituitary adenomas (benign tumors of the
pituitary gland) that secrete increased amounts of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic
hormone, a substance that controls the release of cortisol) can also spur
overproduction of cortisol. Tumors of the adrenal gland and ectopic ACTH
syndrome (a condition in which ACTH is produced by various types of potentially
malignant tumors that occur in different parts of the body) can cause similar
problems with cortisol balance. Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include
upper body obesity, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood pressure,
backache, elevated blood sugar, easy bruising, and bluish-red stretch marks on
the skin. In women, there may be increased growth of facial and body hair, and
menstrual periods may become irregular or stop completely. Neurological symptoms
include difficulties with memory and neuromuscular disorders.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment of Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause of excess cortisol. If
the cause is long-term use of a medication being used to treat another disorder,
the physician may reduce the dosage until symptoms are under control. Surgery or
radiotherapy may be used to treat pituitary adenomas. Surgery, radiotherapy,
chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these may be used to treat
ectopic ACTH syndrome. The aim of surgical treatment is to cure hypercortisolism
by removing the tumor while minimizing the chance of endocrine deficiency or
long-term dependence on medications.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for those with Cushing's syndrome varies depending on the cause
of the disease. Most cases of Cushing's syndrome can be cured. Many individuals
with Cushing's syndrome show significant improvement with treatment, although
some may find recovery complicated by various aspects of the causative illness.
Some kinds of tumors may recur.
What research is being done?
NINDS supports research on Cushing's syndrome aimed at finding new ways to
diagnose, treat, and cure the disorder.
Organizations
Cushing's Support and Research Foundation
65 East India Row Suite 22B
Boston, MA 02110-3389
cushinfo@csrf.net
http://csrf.net
Tel: 617.723.3674
Fax: same as phone
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203.744.0100 Voice Mail 800.999.NORD (6673)
Fax: 203.798.2291
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 9A06 MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
Tel: 301.496.3583 TTY: 866.569.1162
Pituitary Network Association
P.O. Box 1958
Thousand Oaks, CA 91358
rnr@pituitary.org
http://www.pituitary.org
Tel: 805.499.9973
Fax: 805.480.0633
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 6/26/2008...#5497
